Mobile communications network

Abstract

Wireless connectivity for data communication is extended to users who are in public transport vehicles such as airliners, corporate aircraft, autobuses, trains and the like. The access allowed is extended to enable communications between such transiting users and between such transiting users and geographically based networks.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 enabling data communication by providing a wireless data communications access point in a public transport vehicle;    enabling data communication by providing a data communications path between the access point and a geographically based data communications network;    monitoring communications exchanged through the access point; and    charging fees based on communications usage to vehicle passengers communicating through the access point.    
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of monitoring comprises monitoring communications exchanged between vehicle passengers.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of monitoring comprises monitoring communications exchanged between a vehicle passenger and the geographically based communications network.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3  wherein the step of monitoring further comprises monitoring communications exchanged between vehicle passengers.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of enabling wireless data communication comprises mounting an access point in a motor bus.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of enabling wireless data communication comprises mounting an access point in an airplane.  
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of enabling wireless data communication comprises mounting an access point in a watercraft.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of enabling wireless data communication comprises mounting an access point in a train.  
     
     
         9 . Apparatus comprising: 
 a public transport vehicle;    a wireless access point in said vehicle and enabling data communication with vehicle passengers;    a data link effective to couple said access point to a geographically based communications network;    a usage monitor coupled to said access point which detects usage of data communication through said access point by a vehicle passenger; and    a usage fee calculator coupled to said monitor which calculates a fee to be charged to the vehicle passenger for usage of the access point.    
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said public transport vehicle is a motor bus.  
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said public transport vehicle is an airplane.  
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said public transport vehicle is a watercraft.  
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said public transport vehicle is a train.  
     
     
         14 . Apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said usage monitor comprises circuitry which monitors communications exchanged between vehicle passengers.  
     
     
         15 . Apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said usage monitor comprises circuitry which monitors communications exchanged between a vehicle passenger and the geographically based communications network.  
     
     
         16 . Apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein said usage monitor further comprises circuitry which monitors communications exchanged between vehicle passengers.